Mass to be celebrated at
Carn’s St Patrick’s Cross

A special ceremony is to take place in Carndonagh this Sunday, May 8th to celebrate the Jubilee Year of Mercy.

2016 has been designated as the Jubilee Year of Mercy by Pope Francis and in dioceses throughout the world, ceremonies will take place to mark to occasion.

In the diocese of Derry, a special ceremony will take place in each of the four Deaneries, in Omagh, Dungiven, Long Tower, Derry and in Inishowen.

The parish of Carndonagh will act as host in the Inishowen peninsula and parishioners from all the parishes in the Deanery are invited to attend. The ceremony will be led by Bishop of Derry, Donal McKeown.

The Church of the Sacred Heart at Carndonagh will be open to provide the Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions) from 2pm. Visiting priests will be in attendance. Shortly before 3pm, Bishop McKeown and priests from the Deanery will lead a short procession from the church to St. Patrick’s Cross, where Mass will be celebrated. Representatives from each parish in the Inishowen Deanery will participate in the Mass. Arrangements are being put in place by a local committee in consultation with the Gardai to provide parking and to deal with traffic flow. Limited seating will be available and transport will be on hand between the church and the cross for anyone who needs it. Fr. Andy Dolan, former chaplain in the Community School is the diocesan coordinator and Fr. Con McLaughlin is in charge of local arrangements. The Donagh Choir under Helen Haughey will be in attendance. The site of the cross has been selected because of the historic links with the foundations of Christianity in the peninsula and the legacy that has followed over many centuries. According to local tradition, St. Patrick founded a church here and left a bishop in charge after his departure. The four pillar stones depict scenes from the Gospels. In the words of Pope Francis, the Holy Year is dedicated to “living out in our daily lives the mercy of God”. For information, contact 074 9374118